How Beneficial is University Organised International Experience for Fulltime Undergraduate Students?

The purpose of this research study is to explore how beneficial is university organised international experience for full-time undergraduate students? The study analyses one university (University A) undergraduate students’ orientations, to understand their outward mobility experience. The study applies a mixed methods methodological research approach, including a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative focus groups with semistructured questions, where the research is recorded, transcribed and coded.

Findings identify a variety of important independent and inter-related emerging themes which for students, include the development of cultural and aspirational capital; enhancement of employability; development of global mindedness, as benefits of participation in an international experience. For the institution, findings confirm a requirement for a wide variety of support for undergraduate students at University A, to support their participation in an international experience.

This research asserts that support from university staff for students at University A is vital to overcome a wide range of barriers, enabling student participation in an international experience. This research study develops an understanding of aspirational capital and extends the discussion to incorporate participation in an international experience for undergraduate students at University A. This analysis can be used to further support development of an international experience for undergraduate students, by understanding student values from such initiatives. This research can aid UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by enabling enhancements to outward student mobility programmes. These improved practices may contribute to the quality and sustainability of such international experience programmes.